What audio system do you have, or plan on getting?

[Pohjolas Daughter]

OK, this is not a headphone question but I couldn't find a general hi-fi thread (although I'm sure that one exists).
My amplifier (NAD) is packing up and keeps cutting out. If I thump the amplifier with my fist it works again...for a while. Obviously a loose connection somewhere. I can't afford a top-of-the-range system but am thinking of getting a Cambridge Audio Amp at about £400.00. My CD player is NAD and my speakers are Wharfedale Diamonds. I'm happy with the sound. Any comments please?

Hello,

Well, I consulted with a friend of mine who has lots of audio equipment (and constantly has his head in music catalogues)...and also know that he likes NAD and Cambridge Audio equipment [and has owned both brands in the past].  He suggested a few things like Cambridge Audio AXA35  https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/hi-fi/amplifiers/integrated

I mentioned that you had considered getting a turntable in the past.  This one also has a built in phono stage, so you would be all set to go should you buy a turntable.

Another option:  NAD C316BEE  https://www.crutchfield.com/S-wkY1LYcOWai/p_745C316V2/NAD-C316BEE-V2.html

When I read him your post, he suggested that you might try purchasing some contact cleaner, remove the cover of your equipment and try spraying the various contacts just behind the faceplate and that might help too.  If that didn't, personally I would try asking around for a decent repair place near you and seeing if they could fix it (and if it would be worthwhile to pay for doing so).  You would then have a backup one (or perhaps one to bring out to your mancave.  ). In the meantime, stop the audio abuse! 

PD

[drogulus]

OK, this is not a headphone question but I couldn't find a general hi-fi thread (although I'm sure that one exists).
My amplifier (NAD) is packing up and keeps cutting out. If I thump the amplifier with my fist it works again...for a while. Obviously a loose connection somewhere. I can't afford a top-of-the-range system but am thinking of getting a Cambridge Audio Amp at about £400.00. My CD player is NAD and my speakers are Wharfedale Diamonds. I'm happy with the sound. Any comments please?

     There's a Black Friday sale on the AXA35 integrated amp for £299.00 on the website.

     The 316BEEv2 is also £299.

     

[vandermolen]

There's a Black Friday sale on the AXA35 integrated amp for £299.00 on the website.

     The 316BEEv2 is also £299.

     

Many thanks 

[vandermolen]

Hello,

Well, I consulted with a friend of mine who has lots of audio equipment (and constantly has his head in music catalogues)...and also know that he likes NAD and Cambridge Audio equipment [and has owned both brands in the past].  He suggested a few things like Cambridge Audio AXA35  https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/hi-fi/amplifiers/integrated

I mentioned that you had considered getting a turntable in the past.  This one also has a built in phono stage, so you would be all set to go should you buy a turntable.

Another option:  NAD C316BEE  https://www.crutchfield.com/S-wkY1LYcOWai/p_745C316V2/NAD-C316BEE-V2.html

When I read him your post, he suggested that you might try purchasing some contact cleaner, remove the cover of your equipment and try spraying the various contacts just behind the faceplate and that might help too.  If that didn't, personally I would try asking around for a decent repair place near you and seeing if they could fix it (and if it would be worthwhile to pay for doing so).  You would then have a backup one (or perhaps one to bring out to your mancave.  ). In the meantime, stop the audio abuse! 

PD

Thanks v much PD. Greatly appreciated.

[vandermolen]

If your not willing to repair the NAD, a Cambridge amp is in the same range as what you have now, but sounds different, that's all. I think you will like this AMP Jeffrey! If possible try to upgrade your interlinks and loudspeaker cable, Try Blue Haven from Nordost, many are second hand available for very affordable prices. Your amp and speakers will benefit hugely.

Many thanks Harry.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Thanks v much PD. Greatly appreciated.

You are very welcome Jeffrey.  Hope that it helps and that you figure it out to your satisfaction.  And (I should have also mentioned it and thank you to @drogulus ), there are sales going on now, so check at your end.  My links did show the sales prices, but I should have also mentioned that.  Both of the models that I had brought up are on sale--at least for the short term (don't know how long...if interested, ask/do your research).  You might also try checking out some reviews...or perhaps you might be able to test-listen to them.  It can be hard though to compare when you're dealing with different (and also older) components and what your listening area is like.

Best wishes,

PD

[vandermolen]

You are very welcome Jeffrey.  Hope that it helps and that you figure it out to your satisfaction.  And (I should have also mentioned it and thank you to @drogulus ), there are sales going on now, so check at your end.  My links did show the sales prices, but I should have also mentioned that.  Both of the models that I had brought up are on sale--at least for the short term (don't know how long...if interested, ask/do your research).  You might also try checking out some reviews...or perhaps you might be able to test-listen to them.  It can be hard though to compare when you're dealing with different (and also older) components and what your listening area is like.

Best wishes,

PD

Again, many thanks.

[71 dB]

My amplifier (NAD) is packing up and keeps cutting out. If I thump the amplifier with my fist it works again...for a while. Obviously a loose connection somewhere.

Certainly sounds that way. It may also be something short circuiting somewhere and triggering the protection relay.

First check your speaker cables for accidental short circuits. Are there any strands of wire touching the wrong terminal/cable? This can happen quite easily. Check both ends of the cable. While doing it make sure the connection is firm.

If you don't find/fix the fault that way, some dirt might have entered the amp causing these short circuits. Opening the unit (when the unit is NOT connected to the mains!) and cleaning it from dirt/dust may help. Clean amp also run cooler.

If these don't help then the problem is more complex. 

[vandermolen]

Certainly sounds that way. It may also be something short circuiting somewhere and triggering the protection relay.

First check your speaker cables for accidental short circuits. Are there any strands of wire touching the wrong terminal/cable? This can happen quite easily. Check both ends of the cable. While doing it make sure the connection is firm.

If you don't find/fix the fault that way, some dirt might have entered the amp causing these short circuits. Opening the unit (when the unit is NOT connected to the mains!) and cleaning it from dirt/dust may help. Clean amp also run cooler.

If these don't help then the problem is more complex. 

V many thanks for the helpful advice 71 dB.

[Spotted Horses]

OK, this is not a headphone question but I couldn't find a general hi-fi thread (although I'm sure that one exists).
My amplifier (NAD) is packing up and keeps cutting out. If I thump the amplifier with my fist it works again...for a while. Obviously a loose connection somewhere. I can't afford a top-of-the-range system but am thinking of getting a Cambridge Audio Amp at about £400.00. My CD player is NAD and my speakers are Wharfedale Diamonds. I'm happy with the sound. Any comments please?

I had an NAD power amplifier (model 2200 maybe). In that unit there is a pair of relays that connect the output once power capacitors are charged. That's why you hear a faint "click" a few seconds after the power is turned on. My unit had similar behavior, intermittent cutting out. Basically those relays deteriorate, producing intermittent contact.

I looked up the part number, and apparently NAD (which was known for good value for the money) used an automotive relay intended for controlling headlights. Unfortunately the part was long discontinued. Your unit may have something similar. An audio repair shop should be able to fine a compatible part and replace them. I think it's a $5 part, but there will be cost for labor.

[vandermolen]

I had an NAD power amplifier (model 2200 maybe). In that unit there is a pair of relays that connect the output once power capacitors are charged. That's why you hear a faint "click" a few seconds after the power is turned on. My unit had similar behavior, intermittent cutting out. Basically those relays deteriorate, producing intermittent contact.

I looked up the part number, and apparently NAD (which was known for good value for the money) used an automotive relay intended for controlling headlights. Unfortunately the part was long discontinued. Your unit may have something similar. An audio repair shop should be able to fine a compatible part and replace them. I think it's a $5 part, but there will be cost for labor.

Thank you and the others for the super-kind and thoughtful responses. I recently took my CD player in for repair (it was still under warranty) it took forever as the part had to come from Canada. My amp is very old and I bough it S/H anyway so, when it finally gives up the ghost (it's working at the moment) I will probably go for the Cambridge Audio amp.

[Spotted Horses]

Thank you and the others for the super-kind and thoughtful responses. I recently took my CD player in for repair (it was still under warranty) it took forever as the part had to come from Canada. My amp is very old and I bough it S/H anyway so, when it finally gives up the ghost (it's working at the moment) I will probably go for the Cambridge Audio amp.

That would be a reasonable course of action. Your old amp would be a different experience than the CD player. Not a very specific part required, but just a relay with similar current and voltage rating that a technician would pick up in a local electrical supply house and solder in. But the likelihood is that your ancient amp has other electromechanical components - switches, potentiometers, capacitors - that are at the end of their useful lifespan and ready to go next.

My only question is, why wait, and torture yourself with an intermittently failing unit?

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Thank you and the others for the super-kind and thoughtful responses. I recently took my CD player in for repair (it was still under warranty) it took forever as the part had to come from Canada. My amp is very old and I bough it S/H anyway so, when it finally gives up the ghost (it's working at the moment) I will probably go for the Cambridge Audio amp.

Here in the States, from what I've experienced, it's basically about $65 for the diagnosis and then could go up from there (though I suspect/think from what I've heard  that if it's an easy repair and doesn't require an expensive part and a lot of hands on time  that that could also included the repair).

PD

[Pohjolas Daughter]

That would be a reasonable course of action. Your old amp would be a different experience than the CD player. Not a very specific part required, but just a relay with similar current and voltage rating that a technician would pick up in a local electrical supply house and solder in. But the likelihood is that your ancient amp has other electromechanical components - switches, potentiometers, capacitors - that are at the end of their useful lifespan and ready to go next.

My only question is, why wait, and torture yourself with an intermittently failing unit?

Oh, but isn't that part of the fun of owning "stuff"? 

PD

[Irons]

Thank you and the others for the super-kind and thoughtful responses. I recently took my CD player in for repair (it was still under warranty) it took forever as the part had to come from Canada. My amp is very old and I bough it S/H anyway so, when it finally gives up the ghost (it's working at the moment) I will probably go for the Cambridge Audio amp.

Plenty of second-hand audio equipment at reasonable prices here, Jeffrey.

https://www.retrotechaudio.co.uk/currently-for-sale.html

Based in Caterham close to a M.25 junction.

[vandermolen]

Plenty of second-hand audio equipment at reasonable prices here, Jeffrey.

https://www.retrotechaudio.co.uk/currently-for-sale.html

Based in Caterham close to a M.25 junction.

Interesting! Thanks Lol 

[ando]

Contemplating a Klipsch 9s purchase. Anyone have them? They're something of a throwback, style-wise. I'm looking for an exceptional pair of modest looking, preferably wood-cased floor speakers with plenty of bass. I was trying to get my hands on a pair of Realistic Mach One 4029s but perhaps I should be looking forward...

[Daverz]

Contemplating a Klipsch 9s purchase. Anyone have them? They're something of a throwback, style-wise. I'm looking for an exceptional pair of modest looking, preferably wood-cased floor speakers with plenty of bass. I was trying to get my hands on a pair of Realistic Mach One 4029s but perhaps I should be looking forward...

They measure well:

but have very narrow dispersion compared to most speakers.  They have a dispersion of about +/- 30 degrees, whereas +/- 50 degrees is more typical with most speakers.



(from https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/klipsch_the_nines/ )

That is, they don't send much sound toward the side walls to be reflected back to the listener, which is what gives a sense of a wider soundstage with some speakers.  Good if you can't avoid putting the speakers close to the side walls, or if you prefer a more precise sound with less room reflections.

[ando]

They measure well:

but have very narrow dispersion compared to most speakers.  They have a dispersion of about +/- 30 degrees, whereas +/- 50 degrees is more typical with most speakers.



(from https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/klipsch_the_nines/ )

That is, they don't send much sound toward the side walls to be reflected back to the listener, which is what gives a sense of a wider soundstage with some speakers.  Good if you can't avoid putting the speakers close to the side walls, or if you prefer a more precise sound with less room reflections.

That's exactly what I'm going for (I've got smaller, supplemental speakers to create a wider spectrum of sound.) Also, there's a 20% off Black Friday sale for them on Amazon. Thanks!! 👍

[DavidW]

Contemplating a Klipsch 9s purchase. Anyone have them? They're something of a throwback, style-wise. I'm looking for an exceptional pair of modest looking, preferably wood-cased floor speakers with plenty of bass.

Just one thing... they look like stand-mounts, not floor-standers.

I'm sure you saw this, but also they are powered and not passive.